ADHD Assessment and Understanding ADHD in Adults
You may have spent years wondering why some everyday tasks feel harder than they seem for other people.
You may find it hard to stay focused, manage time, finish tasks or keep track of appointments. You may also start many things but struggle to complete them.
These experiences can have many causes. For some people, they may be linked to ADHD.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that can affect attention, impulse control and executive functioning. It can continue into adulthood, even when it was not identified during childhood.
An ADHD Assessment can help a qualified health professional look at your symptoms, history and daily life to understand whether ADHD may be part of the picture.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD affects the way a person manages attention and other areas of everyday functioning.
It is not simply about being distracted.
Adults with ADHD may experience difficulties with:
- Staying focused on tasks
- Managing time
- Organising work
- Remembering appointments
- Finishing tasks
- Managing competing priorities
- Controlling impulses
- Switching between activities
- Managing emotions and stress
Not every person with these difficulties has ADHD.
Problems with attention can also be linked to anxiety, depression, sleep problems, stress or other health conditions.
This is why an assessment needs to look at the wider picture.
What Can ADHD Look Like in Adult Life?
ADHD can affect different areas of life.
At work, someone may have difficulty starting large tasks or keeping track of deadlines.
At home, they may forget bills, appointments or household jobs.
They may also lose items such as keys, phones or documents.
Some people can focus very strongly on things they find interesting but struggle to focus on tasks they find less engaging.
This can sometimes make ADHD difficult to understand.
A person may think, “If I can focus on some things, how could I have an attention problem?”
ADHD does not mean that a person cannot pay attention. It can involve difficulty directing and managing attention consistently.
Why Do Some Adults Seek an Assessment Later?
Some adults have managed their difficulties for many years.
They may have created systems to stay organised or relied on routines, reminders and support from other people.
Life changes can make these systems harder to manage.
Starting university, changing jobs, becoming a parent or taking on more responsibility can bring new demands.
This may lead someone to ask whether ADHD could explain some of the difficulties they have experienced for many years.
An assessment can help explore this question.
What Happens During an ADHD Assessment?
A psychiatric assessment is not based on one symptom or a short online questionnaire.
A psychiatrist may explore:
- Your current concerns
- Your childhood history
- School experiences
- Work history
- Family history
- Mental health
- Physical health
- Sleep
- Relationships
- How your symptoms affect everyday life
Because ADHD begins during childhood, information about earlier life can be important.
School reports or information from someone who knew you as a child may sometimes be useful.
You may not have access to this information, and your psychiatrist can explain what may be helpful for your assessment.
ADHD Can Occur With Other Mental Health Concerns
Some people seeking an ADHD Assessment may also experience anxiety, depression, sleep difficulties or other mental health concerns.
This is why it is important to look at the whole person.
For example, poor sleep can affect concentration. Anxiety can make it difficult to focus. Depression can affect motivation and energy.
A psychiatrist can consider these factors when assessing your concerns.
You can also learn more about PsycheTel’s Anxiety service and Depression service if these concerns are part of your experience.
What Happens After an Assessment?
The next step depends on the assessment.
Your psychiatrist may discuss whether ADHD is present and explain suitable management options where appropriate.
Support may include:
- Education about ADHD
- Practical strategies
- Psychological support recommendations
- Medication management where clinically appropriate
- Ongoing review
The right approach can be different for each person.
A diagnosis should not be made simply because someone recognises a few ADHD symptoms.
ADHD Assessment Through Telehealth
Telehealth can provide another way to access psychiatric care.
PsycheTel Australia provides secure telehealth consultations across Australia. The service accepts GP and specialist referrals and offers consultations for people who are suitable for telehealth.
This can be useful for people who live outside major cities or prefer to attend an appointment from a suitable private location.
Want to Learn More About ADHD Assessment?
If ADHD Assessment is something you are considering, you can learn more about the service and the assessment process before deciding on your next step.
Visit the ADHD service page to learn more.
ADHD and Other Mental Health Concerns
ADHD is not the only reason someone may experience problems with focus, motivation or daily functioning.
Anxiety and depression can also affect these areas.
For this reason, a broader psychiatric assessment may sometimes be useful.
PsycheTel’s psychiatrists consider a person’s wider history and mental health when assessing their concerns. The ADHD service page also notes that assessment may consider conditions such as anxiety, depression, autism and sleep difficulties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can adults have ADHD?
Yes. ADHD starts during childhood but may not be recognised until adulthood.
Does difficulty concentrating mean I have ADHD?
No. Concentration problems can have many causes. An assessment is needed to understand what may be contributing to them.
What information is useful for an ADHD Assessment?
Information about your current symptoms, childhood, school, work, family history and mental health can be useful.
Can ADHD and anxiety occur together?
Yes. A person can experience symptoms of more than one mental health condition. A psychiatrist can consider these concerns during an assessment.
Is ADHD Assessment available through telehealth?
Telehealth may be suitable for some people. PsycheTel Australia provides secure telehealth psychiatric consultations across Australia.
A Simple Next Step
If ongoing problems with attention, organisation or time management are affecting your daily life, speaking with a qualified health professional can help you understand what may be happening.
Contact PsycheTel Australia to discuss your enquiry or visit the PsycheTel Australia home page to learn more.
ADHD Assessment can help explore your symptoms, history and daily life with a qualified psychiatrist.
Conclusion
ADHD can affect adults in many different ways.
Some people notice problems with focus. Others struggle more with organisation, time, impulsive decisions or managing several tasks.
These experiences do not automatically mean that someone has ADHD.
An ADHD Assessment looks at the wider picture, including current symptoms and childhood history.
If you have ongoing concerns about attention or daily functioning, speaking with your GP or a qualified psychiatrist can be a useful next step.
This article is for general educational purposes only. It does not provide a diagnosis or replace an individual assessment by a qualified health professional.
Helpful External Resources
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing